Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi criticises calls for the killing of “repentant” insurgents and secessionists, saying such actions breach religious teachings and international law. In a Facebook post made on Friday, Gumi responds to a wider debate in Nigeria that follows calls by lawmakers to stop rehabilitating repentant terrorists and instead prosecute those found guilty of terrorism-related offences.
According to the reports, Gumi argues that killing repentant fighters, secessionists, and even prisoners of war is morally wrong and undermines efforts to resolve conflicts. He also warns that the International Criminal Court (ICC) monitors actions that may be inconsistent with international legal principles. Gumi frames the issue as one that should not be driven by anger or emotions, saying that using the same logic attributed to terrorist groups—killing perceived enemies—does not promote morality or effectively end insecurity.
The statements come after the Senate, during plenary, adopts a resolution supporting immediate prosecution rather than rehabilitation, aiming to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system amid Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
